Early Childhood Education
Entry requirements
A level
Access to HE Diploma
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
UCAS Tariff
Applicants should hold a full and relevant Level 3 qualification, such as a BTEC Extended Diploma, and have at least twelve months' experience in early childhood practice.
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About this course
The overarching aim of the programme is to produce well educated and highly skilled graduates who are able to work effectively within all contexts of Early Years Practice. It is a requirement of the programme that all participants will be working in an Early Years Setting or participate in a meaningful placement of not less than 16 hours per week, A proportion of the programme is work based with students completing modules at work with the support of college staff. This model of full time study and work allows students to remain in employment whilst completing their qualification.
The course aims to provide students with the opportunity to exit the programme with 240 credits and achieve a Foundation Degree. The Foundation Degree facilitates progression to a full honours degree as the students continue their vocational employment. Since the development of the full honours degree programme at Carshalton College students have been able to continue studying at the College and working in the early years sector to complete a BA (Honours) Degree. Those students who are successful in achieving 240 credits can apply to the final year and complete a further 120 Level 6 credits in order to achieve a full honours degree.
Modules
Students will study the following compulsory Level 4 modules:-
Introduction to Early Childhood Education (20 credits): This module aims to introduce students to academic skills and requirements for the successful completion of the FdA programme within the context of the taught syllabus.
Professional and Academic Development (40 credits): This module focuses on the importance of continuing professional and academic development contextualised within the statutory compulsory age range. In addition it will aim to develop the skills necessary for an education professional to work effectively and to improve their own performance.
Observing Children (20 credits): This module focuses on the role of observing children to inform early childhood education practice and planning for learning. The aim of the module is to gain an understanding of ethical considerations and knowledge of a range of methods of observation. In addition, the student will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the different observation methods and their purpose when assessing young children.
Early Childhood Pioneers (20 credits): This module introduces students to historical perspectives on early childhood education and the key principles of a range of early childhood education pioneers. Students will examine how these contribute to current theory and pedagogical approaches in early childhood education. It aims to promote students to connect theory and practice within an early childhood education environment.
Children and Childhoods (20 credits): This module focuses on the place of children in society and how childhood is defined by its social and cultural context. The aim of the module is to investigate a range of theoretical perspectives and how this impacts on early childhood practice and contemporary attitudes toward children and childhood.
Students will study the following compulsory Level 5 modules: -
Work Based Enquiry (40 credits) This module will build on the student’s research interest by conducting primary and secondary research into an appropriate area of professional practice. This module is designed to provide the student with the necessary skills to complete a piece of research in their chosen area. Personal and professional competence will be extended through the production of small scale, practice-related, research on a chosen subject.
Holistic Development of the Child (20 credits) This module allows students to examine and evaluate theories and principles of child development and its holistic nature. It aims to investigate factors that influence developmental outcomes; including theories of attachment and the role of parents and educators in supporting children’s holistic development.
Play in the 21st Century (20 credits) This module is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of how historical perspectives have influenced early years’ play in the 21st century. The theories and principles of how children play and the factors that affect learning will be explored. The role of the practitioner will be discussed and theories related to play and the beliefs and practices from other cultures considered.
Meeting the needs of the child (20 credits) This module is designed to develop knowledge of provision for children recognising and respecting diversity and difference in early years settings. The issue of assessing children against criteria which are normed on native-English speaking peers will be critically evaluated and the use of appropriate early intervention that will support their social and academic progression will be explored.
Safeguarding (20 credits) This module aims to support practitioners in carrying out their role with regard safeguarding by understanding the types of abuse that children can be subjected to. The module focuses on gaining an understanding of current child protection legislation and the professional role of the educator in the context of safeguarding children.
Assessment methods
The course provides opportunities to test understanding of the subject informally before completing the formal assessments that count towards the final mark. The formal assessment methods include a range of coursework tasks such as essays, reports, portfolios, presentations etc. The assessments are spread across the year to make the workload manageable.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Carshalton College
Carshalton Higher Education [CC]
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